Airline operator S7 Airlines, also known as Siberia Airlines, has implemented air transport IT specialist SITA’s Scan&Fly self-bag-drop technology at Moscow Domodedovo Airport, Russia, providing passengers with a faster, more efficient process to check in their own bags.

The self-bag-drop solution has been tested on S7 check-in counters since early September and positive feedback was received from more than 1,000 passengers that used the service. By the end of the year, 24 check-in counters at Domodedovo will be equipped with the self-bag-drop technology, allowing other airlines to use the service.

Equipped with a document scanner and a handheld infrared barcode reader, Scan&Fly takes only three simple steps for passengers to check a bag in. First, the boarding pass barcode (printed or digital) is scanned, then a bag tag is printed, after which the passenger attaches the tag to their bag before depositing it on the conveyor.

Igor Borisov, director, Moscow Domodedovo Airport, said, “This is an important stage in the transformation of the passenger’s journey at Domodedovo Airport. We are actively implementing paperless and smart technologies so that passengers can freely manage their time at the airport.

“We are pleased that we have implemented Scan&Fly together with our important partners S7 and SITA, with whom we share common values: technology, drive for innovation and high quality of service for every passenger.”

Svetlana Kulyukina, director of passenger experience, S7 Group, said, “S7 Airlines actively applies modern technologies in order to make traveling as comfortable as possible. Self-check-in and drop-off of personal baggage enables our passengers to spend significantly less time at the airport before boarding their flight.

“At home or at work, passengers can check in for the flight, check in their luggage, pay for additional services and at the airport just print boarding passes and drop off suitcases at the baggage self-check-in counter. It takes only a minute. Then they can proceed to the control zone.”

Dmitry Krasnov, vice president, Russia and CIS, SITA, said, “SITA’s research has shown that automating steps in the airport journey saves time and helps provide a better passenger experience. Therefore, we are pleased to have worked with Domodedovo and S7 to bring the benefits of this self-service technology to Russia, joining more than 55 airlines in 40 airports globally that have implemented our self-bag-drop technology.”

The implementation of the new self-bag-drop technology at Domodedovo Airport is part of a large-scale program to transition the airport to more automated and paperless service technologies. Last year the airport installed SITA’s eGates that enable passengers to independently pass the security controls at the entrance to the departure zone, or to board the aircraft by scanning their mobile or paper boarding pass.

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Dan joined Passenger Terminal World in 2014 having spent the early years of his career in the recruitment industry. As assistant editor, he now produces daily content for the website and supports the editors with the publication of each exciting new issue. When he’s not reporting on the latest aviation news, Dan can be found apprehensively planning his next DIY project.